up to the sm
as bright with morning light, and the sheets were so
back. The attack, the fal
room. It was the same impersonal guest room. She w
ent was quiet. The living room was empty, the blanket s
coffee was brewing on the counter, a
n. Make yourself at home
sharp, angular script. She ran her finger over th
nt felt different in the daylight. Less sterile, more like a fortress. She could s
g. She needed to go home. She needed to
didn't
uiet, safe bubble, where no one co
it in her purse by the door.
other. Three from Brenna. And
Caroline. You c
s number. She had given it to him when the
the number, her hands shaking. Sh
lled B
re you okay? I've been
gh her voice was hollow. "I'm..
iend? I thought yo
tted. "I ran into Colonel Romero.
. Then Brenna let out a squeal so loud Caro
, Caroline! That's huge! That
cheeks flushing. "He was just being pro
ing with innuendo. "I bet he did. So, what's his plac
ng around at the security cameras. "And
a said. "When are yo
. "I need to talk to Cromwell
is place. You should have seen him, Caroline. He lo
ile tug at her lips. "He
. "Okay, I have to go. Call m
off the grime and the fear of the last two days. She put her own clothes bac
At noon, the front door beep
shaved, and his hair was damp. But his arm was still i
her sitting on the couc
aid, standing up. "I didn't want
his lips. It was gone in an
mach clenched.
ling a bottle of water from the fridge w
ituat
e knows what you look like. He knows where you work. Lieutenant Petersen is the key witness from Operation Atlas, which dismantled a major
d drain from her face.
apartment is not secure. Your hospital is compromised. And your fam
mother would invite the killer in for tea if s
o?" she asked,
down and took a step toward
ed at him. "H
place," he said. "I
d. "I can't just hide in
't. Which is why I have a
arted to pound. "Wh
aximum security protection file for you. That requires your full legal nam
se. He took a quick, clear photo of it with his phone. "Thank
ne that will give you my name, my protection, and the re
her throat. "Are you... are
, Caroline. If you are my wife, you are a military dependent. You have access
ropped out from under her. "This i
ow you are brave. I know you are
she said, shaking her head. "Marriage
ce hard. "Survival is a necessity. I am
rm in a sling and his eyes like steel. He was offering her a way
ss. It was the most ridiculo
so tired of
whispered. "
unreadable. "Pack your things.
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